Les Eyzies de Tayac, situated at the confluence of the Vezere and Beune Rivers, was known as just “TAYAC” until the end of the 19th century.The first settlers in the valley settled here over 350.000 years ago. The reason they settled in the Vezere Valley during the Middle and Upper Paleolithic periods was because of the limestone cliffs that lined the valley. The cliffs, caves, over-hanging shelters and rock ledges offered an excellent protection against the harsh freezing weather that froze the steppe landscape. The nomads would use the shallow hollows in the cliffs, using branches and hides and furs to build temporarily camps and shelters.
In 1863 excavations began, which led to the discovery of well over a hundred sites in just the lower Vezere Valley.In 1868 the Cro-Magnon Shelter was discovered in Les Eyzies, and revealed the existence of a new stage in human evolution.Five skeletons ornamented with jewels and shells, including a well preserved man of about forty to fifty years old. The link between Prehistoric Man and Modern Man was discovered here at Les Eyzies.
During the 10th and 11th century, the lords of Tayac built a fort into and under the rock face in Les Eyzies, the spot that now houses the “National Prehistoric Museum” The fort, known as “Roc de Tayac”
During the early 12th century the Monks from the Monstery of Paunat built the fortified church “St Martin” that still stands today, and is probably one of the nicest fortified churches in the Perigord.
for more info visit : www.leseyziesdetayac.com
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